Antagonists of the magnesium binding defect as therapeutic agents and methods for treatment of abnormal physiological states

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a class of therapeutic compounds and methods for the treatment of mammals with physiological disorders, such as for example a frequently occurring type of essential hypertension, which are critically associated with the decreased binding of magnesium to the plasma membranes of their cells. These methods consist of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound selected from a series of disubstituted trans, trans 1,3-butadienes, 1,3-disubstituted perhydrobutadienes, 1,2-disubstituted trans ethylenes and 1,2 disubstituted ethanes and disubstituted propanes, each of which embodies, in common, the unique structural feature essential for the biological activity of these compounds. This invention also provides for pharmaceutical formulations that employ these novel compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/292,460 filed Dec. 2, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,132,537 whichis divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/018,690 filedDec. 21, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,829), which is a divisional ofU.S. application Ser. No. 10/695,536, filed Oct. 28, 2003 (now U.S. Pat.No. 6,855,826), which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/230,133, filed Aug. 29, 2002, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,420) which isa divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/635,266, filedAug. 9, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,734), all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to therapeutic methods and compositions for thetreatment of the cellular membrane magnesium binding defect, a defectassociated with certain abnormal physiological states, e.g.,sodium-sensitive essential hypertension and Type 2 insulin-resistantdiabetes mellitus.

The applicant discovered, by studying essential, or primary,hypertension in humans and in two strains of rats with genetichypertension, that a specific metabolic defect is critically involvedwith the occurrence of so-called “salt-sensitive”, i.e. sodium ionsensitive, hypertension. This defect is the decreased binding of themagnesium ion (i.e. Mg²⁺) within the plasma membranes of somatic cells,in particular smooth muscle cells.

As a direct consequence of this defect, the intracellular concentrationsof the magnesium ion decrease while those of the sodium ion (i.e., Na⁺)tend to increase due ostensibly to the increased passive permeability ofthe cell membranes for the latter ion. If the mammal's ability to removethe excess Na⁺ from the intracellular compartment is also compromised,then, as a consequence, the intracellular concentration of calcium ion(i.e. Ca²⁺) also increases and causes, in particular, the heightenedcontractility of the smooth muscle cells lining the peripheral bloodvessels.

The contraction of these cells causes the lumens of these vessels todecrease and consequently their resistance to blood flow increases. Toovercome this increased resistance, and thereby to maintain therequisite blood flow, the heart contracts more strongly, causing thepressure in the arteries to increase. This abnormal, increased bloodpressure is recognized clinically as hypertension. Since this resultstems directly from the seemingly increased passive permeability of thecell membrane to sodium ion, the hypertension is classified as being“sodium sensitive” and occurs in approximately 50 percent of theessential hypertensive population which comprises about 25 percent ofthe population of the United States.

One general treatment proposed for the control of the blood pressure inessential hypertensive patients is the restriction of their dietaryintake of salt (i.e. NaCl) the major source of sodium ion for the body.This measure is somewhat beneficial if the hypertension issalt-sensitive. However, if the hypertension is “salt-insensitive”, therestriction of the salt content of the diet has no therapeutic valueaside from the frequently observed, concomitant reduction of foodintake, and may actually worsen the hypertension.

The applicant also demonstrated that the magnesium binding defect iscaused by the lack, or at least the decreased concentration, of acomponent of normal blood plasma. When erythrocytes from eithersalt-sensitive, essential hypertensive humans or rats are incubated withblood plasma from analogous normotensive subjects, the magnesium bindingdefect in the plasma membranes of these cells is corrected and theabnormal concentrations of intracellular ions are normalized. Theeffective components of normal blood plasma are identified as thepentapeptide and its contained tetrapeptide which comprise theC-terminal region of the tachykinin known as “Substance P”, the firstmammalian produced tachykinin to be isolated and identified. It iscomposed of eleven amino acids joined by peptide linkages in thefollowing sequence: Arg-Pro-Lys-Pro-Gln-Gln-Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH₂ (SEQID NO:1). The derived pentapeptide and its contained tetrapeptide whichcorrect the magnesium-binding defect have the following amino acidsequences, respectively: Phe-Phe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:2); andPhe-Gly-Leu-Met-NH₂ (SEQ ID NO:3) The applicant obtained evidence toindicate that the “general amino acid sequence” at the C-terminal regionof mammalian-produced tachykinins is: Phe-X(Phe, Val)-Gly-Leu-Met-NH₂(SEQ ID NO:4), which comprises those pentapeptides and tetrapeptidesoccurring in mammalian blood plasmas that are derived from thetachykinins. The applicant has observed that they prevent the occurrenceof the magnesium-binding defect in plasma membranes of somatic cells andalso has demonstrated their in vivo effectiveness in correcting thisdefect in rats and the associated, salt-sensitive, essentialhypertension.

The occurrence of the magnesium-binding defect in erythrocyte membranesalso antagonizes, or “resists”, the effect of insulin to promote theuptake of magnesium by these cells. The applicant has examined theerythrocytes from a number of patients with “adult onset” or Type 2diabetes mellitus and has found the magnesium-binding defect to occurwith a frequency greater than 90%. Thus, the magnesium-binding defect isa significant contributor to the causation of “insulin resistance”,which in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus is, in most cases,considered to be the initiating cause of their diabetes.

The combination of the relationships of the magnesium-binding defect tosalt-sensitive, essential hypertension, and to the characteristicinsulin resistance of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, suggests a possiblecritical relationship of this defect with the occurrence ofpre-eclampsia and eclampsia since salt-sensitive hypertension, insulinresistance, and overt diabetes mellitus are among the prominent clinicalfeatures of these two life-threatening, physiological abnormalities ofhuman pregnancy.

The pentapeptides and tetrapeptides discussed above occur in normalblood plasma and are believed to be derived in vivo by enzymaticdegradation of the tachykinins produced by nerve tissue, as well as byother tissues. Their quantitation in blood plasma could provide usefulinformation for the diagnosis of those pathological states with whichthe magnesium-binding defect is critically associated.

Ostensibly, these substances are also believed to be highly specific,naturally occurring, therapeutic agents in contrast to the relativelynon-specific, therapeutic substances presently available for thetreatment of abnormal physiological states such as salt-sensitive,essential hypertension. However, they are peptides and, as such, aregenerally observed to be metabolically unstable, and therefore aresubject to the restricted routes of administration necessary for thisclass of substances. Consequently, this invention concerns thecompositions and pharmacological applications of a new class ofbiologically stable, monopeptide compounds which are derived frombutadienes, ethylenes, and propanes, which can be utilized to treatand/or to prevent those abnormal physiological states with which themagnesium-binding defect is critically associated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a class of compounds represented by the Formula below(as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts) and therapeuticmethods using such compounds for the treatment or prevention in mammalsof physiological disorders which are associated with a deficiency ofmagnesium ion bound to the plasma membranes of their somatic cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Compounds of this invention include those of the following formula:

wherein:

-   R₁, R₂ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting    of H and C₁–C₂ alkyl;-   R₃ and R₄ are selected from C₂–C₈ alkyl;-   R₆ is selected from H or the L-isomer (amino acid convention) of    R₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—;-   wherein-   n is an integer from 0 to 3;-   R₇ is selected from the group C₃–C₆ alkyl or aryl (unsubstituted or    mono-substituted with hydroxy, halo, amino, nitro, methyl or    acetoxy), wherein said aryl is independently selected in each    instance from the group consisting of phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl,    furanyl, pyrrolyl, thiophenyl, pyridinyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl,    benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl,    pyrazinyl, primidinyl, purinyl, and pteridinyl; and-   X is independently selected from the group consisting of    trans,trans >C═CH—HC═C<, trans >C═C<, and >C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—HC*< where    C* is a chiral center and R₃ and R₄ are oriented L- and D- (amino    acid convention) at these respective chiral centers, and where m=0,    1 or 2. This invention also includes pharmaceutically acceptable    salts, solvates or prodrugs of compounds of the formula above.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to a straight or branched,monovalent, saturated aliphatic chain of carbon atoms, including normal,iso, neo and tertiary. “Alkyl” includes but is not limited to, methyl,ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec butyl, tert butyl, amyl,isoamyl, neoamyl, hexyl, isohexyl, neohexyl, heptyl, isoheptyl,neoheptyl, octyl, isooctyl, neooctyl. Although the free-base forms ofthe compounds of the above Formula may be used in the methods of thepresent invention, it is preferred to prepare and to use apharmaceutically acceptable salt form. Thus, the compounds used in themethods of this invention form pharmaceutically acceptable acid additionsalts with a wide variety of organic and inorganic acids, and includethe physiologically acceptable salts which are often used inpharmaceutical chemistry. Such salts are also part of this invention.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” as used herein, refers tosalts of compounds of the above formula which are substantiallynon-toxic to living organisms. Typical inorganic acids used to form suchsalts include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, sulfuric,phosphoric, hypophosphoric and the like. Salts derived from organicacids, such as aliphatic mono- and dicarboxylic acids, phenylsubstituted alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoic and hydroxyalkandioic acids,aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids, may also be used.Such pharmaceutically acceptable salts thus include acetate,phenylacetate, acrylate, ascorbate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate,dinitrobenzoate, hydroxybenzoate, methoxybenzoate, methylbenzoate,o-acetoxybenzoate, naphthalene-2-benzoate, bromide, isobutyrate,phenylbutyrate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, butyne-1,4-dioate,hexyne-1,4-dioate, caprate, caprylate, caproate, chloride, cinnamate,citrate, formate, fumarate, glycollate, heptanoate, hippurate, lactate,malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate, malonate, mandelate, mesylate,nicotinate, isonicotinate, nitrate, oxalate, phthalate, terephthalate,phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate,pyrophosphate, propionate, phenylpropionate, salicylate, sebacate,succinate, suberate, sulfate, bisulfate, pyrosulfate, sulfite,bisulfite, sulfonate, benzenesulfonate, p-bromophenylsulfonate,chlorobenzene-sulfonate, ethanesulfonate, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate,methanesulfonate, naphthalene-1-sulfonate, naphthalene-2-sulfonate,p-toluenesulfonate, xylenesulfonate, tartarate, and the like. Apreferred salt is the chloride salt.

The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are typically formedby reacting a compound of the above Formula with an equimolar or anexcess amount of acid. The reactants are generally combined in a mutualsolvent such as diethyl ether or ethyl acetate. The salt normallyprecipitates out of solution within one hour to 10 days and can beisolated by filtration or the solvent can be stripped off byconventional means.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts generally have enhanced solubilitycharacteristics compared to the compounds from which they are derived,and thus are often more amenable to formulations as liquids oremulsions.

It should be recognized that the particular counter-ion forming a partof any salt of this invention is usually not of a critical nature, solong as the salt as a whole is pharmaceutically acceptable and as longas the counter-ion does not contribute undesired qualities to the saltas a whole.

This invention further encompasses the pharmaceutically acceptablesolvates of the compounds of the above Formula. Many of them can combinewith solvents such as water, methanol, ethanol and acetonitrile to formpharmaceutically acceptable solvates such as the corresponding hydrate,methanolate, ethanolate and acetonitrilate.

Preferred compounds of this invention for use with the methods describedherein are those of the above Formula wherein

-   R₁, R₂ and R₅ are H;-   R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of    n-butyl, n-amyl and n-hexyl;-   R₆ is selected from the group consisting of L-phenylglycine and    L-valine;-   X is selected from the group consisting of trans,trans >C═CH—HC═C<,    trans >C═C<, and >C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—C*H< (wherein the A*≅ indicates a    chiral carbon, and m=0, 1 or 2); and a pharmaceutically acceptable    salt or solvate thereof.

The present invention is also a method of treating a patient with aphysiological disorder critically associated with the magnesium bindingdefect by administering to such a patient a pharmacologically effectiveamount of a composition that includes a compound of the above Formula.

It will be appreciated that certain compounds of the above Formula canpossess an asymmetric carbon atom(s) and are thus capable of existing asenantiomers. Unless otherwise specified, this invention includes suchenantiomers, including racemates. The separate enantiomers may besynthesized from chiral starting materials, or the racemates can beresolved by procedures that are well known in the art of chemistry suchas chiral chromatography, fractional crystallization of diastereometricsalts and the like.

Compounds of the above Formula can also exist as geometric isomers (Z orE), the Z isomer is preferred.

The oral forms of compositions containing compounds of the above Formulaare most preferred although compounds of this invention may beformulated into pharmaceutical compositions, together withpharmaceutically acceptable carriers, in solid or liquid form, forrectal and topical, as well as for oral, administration.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are preferablypackaged in a container (e.g., a box or bottle, or both) with suitableprinted material (e.g., a package insert) containing indications,directions for use, etc.

Compounds of this invention can be prepared by a variety of procedureswell known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The particular orderof steps required to produce the compounds of the above Formula isdependent upon the particular compound being synthesized, the startingcompound, and the relative lability of the intermediate moieties.

The compounds employed in this invention can be prepared by thefollowing general schemes of reactions; the substituted trans, transbutadiene and trans ethylene structures are most preferred and, ingeneral, are the precursors to the substituted perhydrobutadiene andperhydroethylene-based and propane-based compounds which are alsorepresented by the above formula.

The foregoing may be understood better from the following examples thatare presented for the purposes of illustration and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention. In these examples, the individualreactions being illustrated, in Scheme One, Two and Three are indicatedby a bracketed letter, such as for example “(a)”.

EXAMPLE I A. Synthesis ofN-(trans,trans-2,4-pentadiene-2,5-di-n-butyl-5-carboxamide)-L-phenylglycinamide

Reaction (a): Synthesis of n-butyrophenone. (Friedel-Crafts Reaction).0.1 Mole (10.7 gm.) of n-butyryl chloride, 0.2 mole (16 gm.) of benzene,and 0.2 mole (27 gm.) of anhydrous AlCl₃ are added to 100 ml ofnitrobenzene, and the mixture heated under reflux for 2 hours. Themixture is then cooled, acidified with conc. HCl, diluted with 200 mldistilled water and steam distilled. The aqueous phase of the distillateis discarded, and the organic phase is dried with anhydrous Na₂SO₄. Thesolvents are then removed by distillation, and the residue ofn-butyrophenone is used without further purification.

Reaction (b): Synthesis of n-butylbenzene. (Wolff-Kischner Reduction).The product from Reaction (a) is mixed with 200 ml of ethylene glycol,10 gm. of KOH and 0.15 mole (5 gm.) of hydrazine. The mixture is heatedto reflux temperature while being stirred, and the water evolved iscollected. When the evolution of water ceases, the mixture is cooled,diluted with 200 ml of distilled water, and steam distilled. Thedistillate is extracted three times with 100 ml portions of benzene, andafter the combined extracts are dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, the benzeneis removed by distillation. The product, n-butylbenzene, is crystallizedfrom absolute ethanol: m.p. 88° C.

Reaction (c): Synthesis of para-n-butylbutyrophenone. Reaction (a) isrepeated using 0.1 mole (13.4 gm.) of n-butyl benzene, prepared inReaction (b) supra and 0.1 mole (10.7 gm.) of n-butyryl chloride. Thecrude reaction product is isolated as was the product in Reaction (a).

Reaction (d): Synthesis of 1,4-di-n-butylbenzene. Reaction (b) isrepeated using the approximately 0.1 mole of product from Reaction (c)as the starting material. The reaction product, 1,4-di-n-butylbenzene,is crystallized from absolute ethanol and the structure confirmed by NMRspectroscopsy.

Reaction (e): Synthesis of 2,5-di-n-butyl-nitrobenzene. 0.1 Mole (19.1gm.) of 1,4-di-n-butylbenzene prepared in Reaction (d) is dissolved in60 ml of a 1:2 (v:v) mixture of conc. HNO₃ and conc. H₂SO₄. The solutionis stirred, while its temperature is maintained at 90° C., for one hour.The solution becomes yellow indicating that the reaction has occurred.The product is not isolated.

Reaction (f): Synthesis of 2,5-di-n-butylaniline. To the reactionmixture from Reaction (e) 0.4 mole (26 gm.) of powdered zinc is slowlyadded while the stirring is continued. The yellow color fades as thereaction comes to completion. The reaction mixture is cooled, dilutedwith 400 ml of distilled water, and the acid content neutralized by theaddition of an excess of 10 M NaOH. The reaction product is extractedinto diethyl ether, and the combined ether extracts are washed withdistilled water. From the ether solution, the hydrochloride of thereaction product slowly precipitates after the addition of 10 ml ofconc. HCl and by chilling the mixture. The recovered product is pure2,5-di-n-butylaniline hydrochloride as indicated by GLC of the freebase.

Reaction (g): Synthesis of 2,5-di-n-butylbenzene diazonium salt. 0.1Mole (24.0 gm.) of 2,5-di-n-butylaniline hydrochloride prepared inReaction (f) is dissolved in 130 ml 3 M H₂SO₄ and the mixture cooled to0° C. by surrounding it with crushed ice. To the chilled solution, 0.12mole of NaNO₂ (8.3 gm.) is slowly added with stirring which is continueduntil starch-iodide paper turns blue.

Reaction (h): Synthesis of 2,5-di-n-butylphenol. The solution fromReaction (g) is diluted with an equal volume of distilled water so as toadjust the H₂SO₄ concentration to approximately 1.5 M, and this solutionis heated under reflux for 2 hours. The 2,5-di-n-butylphenol thus formedis removed from this reaction mixture by steam distillation and isextracted from the distillate with benzene. The benzene is distilled,and the residue analyzed by GLC and GLC-MS.

Reaction (i): Synthesis ofcis,cis-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1,4-dicarboxylic acid. 0.33 Mole ofperacetic acid (63 gm., 56 ml of 40% peracetic acid) is added to a 250ml, two necked reaction flask fitted with a condenser, a dropping funneland a magnetic stirrer. The flask is immersed in a water bath maintainedat 25°–30° C. While the peracetic acid is being stirred, a cold solutionof 2,5-di-n-butylphenol (0.1 mole, 20.6 gm., from Reaction (h)) in 75 mlof glacial acetic acid is added dropwise over a period of 4 hours. Thetemperature of the reaction mixture is maintained between 30°–35° C.Solid material begins to separate from the solution and when theaddition of the phenol is complete, the mixture is stirred for one hourand then is allowed to stand for 8 hours while its temperature is keptbelow 40° C. After the mixture has remained at room temperature for 4days, the crude product is obtained by suction filtration.

Reaction (j): Synthesis of mixed acetyl anhydrides oftrans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1,4-dicarboxylic acid. Theproduct obtained in Reaction (i) is dissolved in 50 ml of aceticanhydride with heating and stirring and to this solution is added 0.25mole (20 gm.) of acetyl chloride. The temperature of this stirredsolution is maintained at 100° C. under reflux conditions until hydrogenchloride is no longer evolved. Under these conditions, thecis,cis-isomer is converted to the trans,trans-isomer and the doubleanhydride is formed. After the mixture has cooled, it is lyophilized todryness.

Reaction (k): Synthesis oftrans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1-carboxyl-4-carboxamide. Thecrude product of Reaction (j) is dissolved in 200 ml of anhydrousammonia in a Dewar flask and the excess ammonia is allowed to evaporate.The residue consists of a mixture of ammonium dicarboxylate, diamide,monoamide-mono ammonium carboxylate, acetamide and ammonium acetate andis dissolved in hot water. This solution is poured onto a 5.0×100 cm.column of anion exchange resin in the acetate form maintained at 100° C.Hot water and then hot 0.01 M NaCl is used to elute the adsorbedmaterials. The order of elution is monitored by determination of the pHof successive 25 ml fractions of eluate. The desired substance,trans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1-carboxyl-4-carboxamide is thesecond material to be eluted by the 0.01 NaCl. The fractions of eluatewhich contain this material as the sodium salt, are combined and, afterpassage through a cation exchange column in the hydrogen form, arelyophilized to dryness. The dicarboxylate and diamide forms of thestarting material obtained from the anion exchange column are reworkedto increase the yield of the desired product.

If monomethylamine and dimethylamine are used separately in the abovesynthesis instead of ammonia, the monomethyl and dimethyl carboxamides,respectively, can be synthesized.

Reaction (l): Synthesis oftrans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1-chloromethyl-4-carboxamide.0.1 Mole of the product of Reaction (k) is dissolved in chloroform and0.11 mole (4.6 gm.) of diazomethane (CH₂N₂) in chloroform is added. Theyellow color of the diazomethane quickly fades, indicating that themethyl ester has formed. Excess diazomethane is removed by the additionof a few drops of glacial acetic acid to form methyl acetate.

The chloroform is removed by distillation to dryness and the residue isdissolved in absolute ethanol. 0.50 Mole of sodium beads is added tothis solution, and after the evolution of hydrogen subsides, thesolution is diluted with distilled water and extracted exhaustively withmethylene chloride. The combined extracts are dried with anhydrousNa₂SO₄ and the volume is reduced by distillation to about 100 ml.

To this solution oftrans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1-hydroxymethyl-4-carboxamidethus obtained, 0.1 mole of thionyl chloride (SOCl₂, 8 gm.) is added andthe solution is heated under reflux until the evolution of SO₂ andhydrogen chloride ceases. The target product is obtained as the residueby evaporating the solution to dryness.

Reaction (m): Synthesis oftrans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1-aminomethyl-4-carboxamide.(Gabriel Synthesis). 0.1 Mole (26.8 gm.) of the product from Reaction(l) is dissolved in 200 ml of dimethylformamide and 0.1 mole (18.5 gm)of potassium phthalimide is then added. The mixture is stirred andwarmed to between 30° and 50° C. for one hour. After the formed KCl isremoved by filtration, 0.5 mole (16 gm.) of hydrazine, together withsufficient 95% ethanol to form a solution, is added and the solutionrefluxed for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled, diluted generouslywith distilled water, and extracted exhaustively with 50 ml portions oftoluene. 15 ML of conc. HCl are added to the combined toluene extracts,the combination thoroughly mixed, and allowed to stand at 5° C. Thehydrochloride of the named product forms slowly, is isolated byfiltration, and is twice recrystallised by repeating the process offorming the hydrochloride. It is characterized and its structureconfirmed by NMR spectroscopy of the free base.

If the chloromethyl compound used in this synthesis is condensed withmethylamine, instead of undergoing the Gabriel Synthesis with potassiumphthalimide, the methylamino compound can be obtained.

Reaction (n): Synthesis ofN-(2,5-di-n-butyl-2,4-trans,trans-pentadiene-5-carboxamide)-L-phenylglycinamide(the named trans,trans-1,3-butadiene based compound of the aboveFormula). 0.12 Mole of each of the commercial available compounds,benzylchloroformate (20.5 gm.) and L-phenylglycine (18.1 gm.), aredissolved in 200 ml of acetonitrile and heated under reflux for 1 hourto form 0.11 mole, i.e. 90% yield, of carbobenzyloxy (“CBZ”)L-phenylglycine. To this solution is added 0.23 mole (20 gm.) oftriethylamine, 0.1 mole (10.9 gm.) of ethylchloroformate and 50 ml ofacetonitrile. Heating under reflux is continued for another hour, andthen the solution is distilled to dryness. The residue which containsthe mixed anhydride, CBZ-NH—CH(C₆H₅)—COO—COOC₂H₅ (approximately 0.1mole) is dissolved in 200 ml of toluene. This solution is washed threetimes with 50 ml of distilled water and dried with anhydrous Na₂SO₄.

To the resulting toluene solution of the mixed anhydride is added atoluene solution of 0.1 mole of thetrans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1-aminomethyl-4-carboxamideprepared in Reaction (m). The resulting solution is heated at 100° C.and stirred until the evolution of CO₂ ceases indicating that thesubstituted amide of CBZ-L-phenylglycine has formed. The toluene is thenremoved from the reaction mixture by distillation in vacuo, and theresidue is dissolved in liquid ammonia in a Dewar flask. To thissolution 4.6 gm. of sodium beads are added, and the ammonia is allowedto evaporate. The residue is taken up in the minimum volume of boilingglacial acetic acid from which the named product crystallizes and isrecovered by filtration. It is washed with small volumes of cold glacialacetic acid, air dried, and characterized by infra red and NMRspectroscosopy (X=trans, trans >C═CH—HC═C<, R₁=H, R₂—H, R₃=n-butyl,R₄=n-butyl, R₅═H, R₆═R₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—, where R₇=phenyl, n=0).

Reaction (o): Synthesis of 5-aminomethyl-8-dodecane carboxamide (theperhydro-1,3-butadiene-based intermediate). 0.1 Mole (23.8 gm.) oftrans,trans-1,3-butadiene-1,4-di-n-butyl-1-aminomethyl-4-carboxamidefrom Reaction (m) is dissolved in the minimum volume of 95% ethanol andsubjected, with shaking, to hydrogen gas at atmospheric pressure in thepresence of 50 mg. of Adams platinum oxide catalyst. The reduction isquantitative as reflected by the volume of hydrogen consumed (0.2 mole).The product has two chiral centers and thus the residue obtained byevaporation of the solvent contains a mixture of four optical isomers.The isomers in this racemic mixture can be separated by fractionalcrystallization after they have been converted to their diastereometricsalts with (+)-tartaric acid.

This mixture is converted to the racemic mixture of the four possibleoptical isomers of N-(5-methylene-8-dodecanecarboxamide)-L-phenylglycinamide by repetition of Reaction (n)(X=>C*H(CH₂)₂HC*<, R₁=H, R₂=H, R₃=n-butyl, R₄=n-butyl, R₅=H,R₆=R₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—, where R₇=phenyl, n=0).

The specific L-, D-isomer (amino acid convention) can be obtained afterresolving the mixture of four isomers produced supra.

Reactions Sequence for the Synthesis of Trans, Trans-1,3-Butadiene-Based

EXAMPLE 2 B. Synthesis of N-(trans-2,3-di-n-amyl-2-butenoic acidamide)-L-phenylglycinamide

Reaction (p): Synthesis of ortho-dipentanoylbenzene. 0.1 Mole (16.6 gm.)of phthalic acid is dissolved in 100 ml of benzene and 0.2 mole (23.6gm.) of thionyl chloride is added slowly while the solution is stirred.It is then heated under reflux until the evolution of SO₂ and hydrogenchloride ceases.

Into a two-necked, 1 liter flask, fitted with a condenser, droppingfunnel and magnetic stirrer, is added 200 ml of anhydrous diethyl ether.The condenser is closed with a calcium chloride drying tube filled withanhydrous calcium chloride and 0.2 mole (4.8 gm.) of clean, drymagnesium ribbon, cut into 1 cm. lengths, is added to the flask. Whilethe mixture is stirred rapidly, 0.2 mole (18.5 gm.) of n-butyl chloridein 50 ml. of anhydrous diethyl ether is added dropwise so as to controlthe reaction. When all of the magnesium has reacted, 0.2 mole (9.6 gm.)of anhydrous C_(a)Cl₂ in anhydrous diethyl ether is slowly added to theflask.

After this addition, the temperature of the reaction mixture is reducedto −20° C. and the solution of phthalyl chloride, prepared supra, isslowly added. Stirring is continued for another hour, and then 200 ml ofsaturated ammonium chloride is slowly added. When all of the materialshave dissolved, the temperature of the mixture is allowed to return toroom temperature, the aqueous phase is removed, and the organic phase isdistilled to dryness. The residue contains the named product.

Reaction (q): Synthesis of ortho-di-n-amylbenzene. (Wolff-KischnerReduction). The residue from Reaction (p) is suspended in 200 ml ofethylene glycol and 10 gms. each of KOH and hydrazine are added. Theprocedure of Reaction (d), Scheme One, supra is then continued and thestructure of the product obtained is that of the expected compound.

Reaction (r): Synthesis of di-n-amyl maleic anhydride. Theortho-di-n-amylbenzene prepared in Reaction (q) is dissolved incyclohexane and placed in a glass “trap” so that a rapid stream of warmair can be passed, in the reverse direction, through the solution. Theaerosol thus formed is passed through a thick-walled, glass U-tubefilled with V₂O₅ and immersed in a bath of molten Woods metal at 450° C.The product, di-n-amyl maleic anhydride, is collected by passing theeffluent air stream through a trap surrounded by circulating water at 5°C.

Reaction (s): Synthesis of trans 1,2-di-n-amylethylene-1-carboxyl-2-carboxamide. The product of Reaction (r) isdissolved in the minimum volume of benzene, and the solution slowlyadded to 50 ml of liquid ammonia in a Dewar flask. The mixture is gentlystirred as the ammonia evaporates, and the residual benzene solution istransferred to a separatory funnel with additional benzene. A fewcrystals of iodine are added, and the solution thoroughly mixed. Afterthe mixture has remained overnight at room temperature, it is washedtwice with 100 ml portions of 1 M HCl and twice with distilled water.After the benzene solution is dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, it isdistilled to dryness. The residue contains the named product.

Reaction (t): Synthesis of trans 2,3-di-n-amyl-1-chloro-2-butenoic acidamide. The product from Reaction (s) is dissolved in 100 ml ofchloroform and 0.1 mole (4.2 gm.) of diazomethane (CH₂N₂), prepared in50 ml of chloroform, is added. When the reaction is completed asindicated by the cessation of fading of the yellow color, the solutionis evaporated to dryness. The methyl ester residue is dissolved inabsolute ethanol and 0.3 mole (7.0 gm.) of sodium beads is added. Afterthe reaction ceases, the solution is reduced to dryness and the residue,which contains trans-2,3-di-n-amyl-1-hydroxy-2-butenoic acid amide, isdissolved in 100 ml of benzene. To this solution 0.1 mole (12 gm.) ofthionyl chloride is added, and the solution refluxed gently until theevolution of SO₂ and hydrogen chloride ceases. The residue obtained bydistilling the benzene solution to dryness contains the named product.

Reaction (u): Synthesis of trans 2,3-di-n-amyl-1-amino-2-butenoic acidamide. (Gabriel Synthesis). 0.1 Mole of product from Reaction (t) isreacted with potassium phthalimide as described in Reaction (m), SchemeOne, supra to form the named compound.

If the chloro compound prepared by Reaction (t) is reacted withmonomethyl amine instead of undergoing the Gabriel Synthesis, theN-methyl analogue of the product of Reaction (u) is obtained.

Reaction (v): Synthesis of N-(trans 2,3-di-n-amyl-2-butenoic acidamide)-L-phenylglycinamide. (A trans-ethylene-based compound of theabove Formula). This target compound is synthesized by condensing the1-amino compound formed in Reaction (u) with L-phenylglycine asdescribed in Reaction (n), Scheme One, supra. (X=trans >C═C<, R₁=H,R₂=H, R₃=n-amyl, R₄=n-amyl, R₅=H, R₆=R₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—, whereR₇=phenyl, n=0).

Reaction (w): Synthesis of 6-aminomethyl-7-dodecane carboxamide. Thiscompound is synthesized by subjecting the aminomethyl compound formed inReaction (u) supra to catalytic hydrogenation as described in Reaction(O), Scheme One, supra. This compound has two chiral centers and thusthe product of this synthesis is a racemic mixture of four opticalisomers. These isomers can be separated by fractional crystallizationafter their conversion to diastereometric salts by reaction with(+)-tartaric acid.

This mixture of isomers is converted to the mixture of the four possibleoptical isomers of N-(6-methylene-7-dodecanecarboxamide)-L-phenylglycinamide by repeating Reaction (n), Scheme One,supra. (X=>*CHHC*<, R₁=H, R₂=H, R₃=n-amyl, R₄=n-amyl, R₅=H,R₆=R₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—, where R₇=phenyl, n=0).

The specific L-, D-isomer (amino acid convention) can be obtained byresolving, as indicated supra, the mixture of four isomers produced bycatalytic hydrogenation supra.

Reactions Sequence for the Synthesis of the trans Ethylene Based

EXAMPLE 3 C. Synthesis of N-(2,4-di-n-amylpentanoic acidamide)-L-phenylglycinamide

Reaction (x): Synthesis of 2,4-di-n-amylglutaric acid (Malonic EsterSynthesis). 0.3 Mole (6.9 gm.) of sodium beads is slowly added, withmagnetic stirring, to 300 mL. of absolute ethanol. When the evolution ofhydrogen gas has ceased, 0.1 mole (18.8 gm.) of diethylglutaric acid isdissolved in the mixture. The stirring is continued, and the mixture isheated to reflux while 0.2 mole (30.2 gm.) of n-amyl bromide is slowlyadded dropwise. When the formation of sodium bromide has ceased, themixture is concentrated under reduced pressure to about 100 mL. 200 mL.of 1.5 molar hydrochloric acid is then added, and the mixture is heatedunder reflux for two hours, diluted with 500 mL. of distilled water,transferred to a separatory funnel, and extracted four times with 100mL. portions of diethyl ether. The combined ether extracts are distilledto dryness in a tared distillation flask and the crude residue of2,4-di-n-amylglutaric acid is weighed.

Reaction (j′): Synthesis of 2,4-di-n-amylglutaric acid anhydride. 30 gm.of the residue from Reaction (x) supra is heated as described inReaction (j), Scheme One, supra to produce a quantitative yield of thetargeted anhydride product.

Reaction (k′): Synthesis of 2-n-amyl-4-carboxy-4-nonanoic acid amide. 25gm. of the product from Reaction (j−) above is treated with anhydrousammonia as in Reaction (k), Scheme One, supra to yield the desiredproduct which, in this case, does not require purification bychromatography. If monomethylamine and dimethylamine are used separatelyinstead of ammonia in this synthesis, the monomethyl and dimethylcarboxamides, respectively, can be synthesized.

Reaction (l′): Synthesis of 2-n-amyl-4-chloromethyl nonanoic acid amide.The product from Reaction (k−) above is treated with diazomethane,sodium beads plus absolute ethanol, and thionyl chloride as in Reaction(l) Scheme One, supra to yield the desired product.

Reaction (m′): Synthesis of 2-n-amyl-4-aminomethyl-nonanoic acid amide.(Gabriel Synthesis). 0.1 Mole (27.6 gm.) of product from Reaction (l−)above is treated as in Reaction (l), Scheme One supra to yield the purehydrochloride of the desired compound. If the chloromethyl compound usedin this reaction is condensed with N-methylphthalimide, rather than withphthalimide, the methyl amino derivative of the desired compound can besynthesized.

Reaction (n′): Synthesis of N-(2,4-di-n-amylpentanoic acidamide)-L-phenylglycinamide (the named 1,3-disubstituted propane basedcompound of the formula). 0.1 Mole (25.6 gm.) of the pure product fromReaction (m-) above is treated as in Reaction (m), Scheme One, supra.The product is characterized by infra red and NMR spectroscopy. It is aracemic mixture of the four possible optical isomers from which thespecific L-,D-isomer (amino acid convention) can be obtained byfractional crystallization of the diastereometric salts with(+)-tartaric acid. (X=C*H—CH₂—HC* where A*≅ represents a chiral carbon,R₁=H, R₂=H, R₃=n-amyl, R₄=n-amyl, R₅=H, R₆=R₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—,where R₇=phenyl, n=0.

The four different structural features indicated by the “X” of the aboveFormula (i.e. each arm of the “X” representing a bond of the selectedstructural feature) represent the ways by means of which these compoundscan acquire essentially the same hydrophobic surface which involvesabout 12 methylene groups linearly arranged. Thus, even though thesefour structural features provide, strictly speaking, for four differentchemical compounds, the hydrophobisities of the four molecules areessentially identical. This structural aspect is preferable for thebiological activity of the compounds of the above formula.

An in vitro biological assay of the activities of compounds of thisinvention and their synthesis intermediates can be conducted byemploying normal human erythrocytes in which the magnesium bindingdefect is created by incubating these thoroughly saline-washed cells at5° C. in Alsevers solution; the mixture has a hematocrit of 50% andcontains 1.25 mg. of sodium deoxycholate per ml.

After 72 hours of incubation, the magnesium binding defect is present inthe cell membranes of these erythrocytes as evidenced by their decreasedmagnesium content when compared with the magnesium content of plasmamembranes from control erythrocytes which are identical in all respectsexcept that they have been similarly incubated in Alsevers solutiononly, i.e. the positive control.

Biological activity can be determined by measuring the magnesiumcontents of the plasma membranes of thoroughly washed, depletederythrocytes prepared supra which have been incubated at 37° C. forthree hours in Krebs-Ringer phosphate solutions to which the testcompound has and has not been added. The mixture having cells,Krebs-Ringer solution and no test compound is the negative control, andthe magnesium content of the plasma membranes of the contained cellsmust be significantly less than that of undepleted cells incubated inmagnesium-free Krebs-Ringer solution. Positive biological activity isindicated when the magnesium content of the plasma membranes of thedepleted erythrocytes which are incubated in Krebs-Ringer solutioncontaining the test compound is significantly higher than that of thenegative control and may be the same as, or greater than, that of thepositive control.

The compounds of the above Formula are usually administered in the formof pharmaceutical compositions. These compounds can be administered by avariety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous,intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal. These compounds areeffective as both injectable and oral compositions. Such compositionsare prepared in a manner well-known in the pharmaceutical art and arecomprised of at least one active compound.

The present invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions whichcontain, as the active ingredient, the compounds of the above Formulaassociated with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In making thecompositions of the present invention, the active ingredient is usuallymixed with an excipient, diluted by an excipient or enclosed within sucha carrier which can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, paper or othercontainer. When the incipient serves as a diluent, it can be a solid,semi-solid, or liquid material, which acts as a vehicle, carrier ormedium for the active ingredient. Thus, the compositions can be in theform of tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs,suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols (as a solid in aliquid medium), ointments containing for example up to 10% by weight ofactive compound, soft and hard gelatin capsules, suppositories, sterileinjectable solutions, and sterile packaged powders.

In preparing a formulation, it may be necessary to mill the activecompound to provide the appropriate particle size prior to combiningwith the other ingredients. If the active compound is substantiallyinsoluble, it ordinarily is milled to a particle size of less than 200mesh. If the active compound is substantially water soluble, theparticle size is normally adjusted by milling to provide a substantiallyuniform distribution in the formulation, e.g. about 40 mesh.

Some examples of suitable excipients include lactose, dextrose, sucrose,sorbitol, mannitol, starches, gum acacia, calcium phosphate, alginates,tragacanth, gelatin, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose,polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, water, syrup, and methyl cellulose. Theformulations can additionally include: lubricating agents such as talc,magnesium stearate, and mineral oil; wetting agents; emulsifying andsuspending agents; preserving agents such as methyl- andpropylhydroxybenzoate; sweetening agents; and flavoring agents. Thecompositions of the invention can be formulated, by employing proceduresknown in the art, so as to provide quick, sustained or delayed releaseof the active ingredient after administration to the patient.

The compositions are preferably formulated in a unit dosage form, eachdosage containing from about 0.05 to about 100 mg, but usually fromabout 1.0 to about 30 mg, of the active ingredient. The term “unitdosage form” refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitarydosages for human subjects and other mammals, each unit containing apredetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce thedesired therapeutic effect, in association with a suitablepharmaceutical excipient.

The active compound is effective over a wide dosage range. For example,dosages per day normally fall within the range of about 0.01 to about 30mg/kg of body weight. In the treatment of adult humans, the range ofabout 0.1 to about 15 mg/kg/day, in single or divided dose, isespecially preferred. However, it will be understood that the amount ofthe compound actually administered will be determined by a physician, inthe light of the relevant circumstances, including the condition to betreated, the chosen route of administration, the actual compoundadministered, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient,and the severity of the patient's symptoms, and therefore the abovedosage ranges are not intended to limit the scope of the invention inany way. In some instances dosage levels below the lower limit of theaforesaid range may be more than adequate, while in other cases stilllarger doses may be employed without causing any harmful side effects,provided that such large doses are first divided into several smallerdoses for administration throughout the day.

Other products of the teaching of this invention will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and such products also fall withinthe scope of the invention. Thus the invention is based on the discoveryof the association of certain human diseases, such as “salt-sensitive”essential hypertension, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia andeclampsia, with the presence of the magnesium binding defect in theplasma membranes of the somatic cells of such patients, and the efficacyof the pentapeptide, and its included C-terminal tetrapeptide, at theC-terminal end of the mammalian tachykinins, e.g., Substance P, tocorrect the binding defect and thus to ameliorate and/or to prevent thedisease.

Reaction Sequence for the Synthesis of 1,3-Substituted Propane-Based

It will of course be understood that the present invention has beendescribed supra purely by way of example, and modifications of detailcan be made within the scope of the invention.

1. A compound of the formula:

wherein: R₁, R₂ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H and C₁–C₂ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are selected from C₂–C₈alkyl; R₆ is the L-isomer (amino acid convention) ofR₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 3; R₇ isselected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heteroaryl andmonosubstituted heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl is purinyl, and saidsubstituent is hydroxy, halo, amino, nitro, methyl or acetoxy; X isindependently selected in each instance from the group consisting oftrans, trans >C═CH—HC═C<, trans >C═C<, and >C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—HC*<, where“*” indicates a chiral carbon atom and R₃ and R₄ are oriented L- and D-(amino acid convention) at these respective chiral centers; and m=0, 1or 2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.2. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 3. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is methyl and R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen. 4.The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ and R₂ are methyl and R₅ is hydrogen.5. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ and R₂ are hydrogen and R₅ ismethyl.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are methyl. 7.A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier and a compound of the formula

wherein: R₁, R₂ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H and C₁–C₂ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are selected from C₂–C₈alkyl; R₆ is the L-isomer (amino acid convention) ofR₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 3; R₇ isselected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heteroaryl andmonosubstituted heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl is purinyl, and saidsubstituent is hydroxy, halo, amino, nitro, methyl or acetoxy; X isindependently selected in each instance from the group consisting oftrans, trans >C═CH—HC═C<, trans >C═C<, and >C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—HC*< where “*”indicates a chiral center and R₃ and R₄ are oriented L- and D- (aminoacid convention) at these respective chiral centers; and m=0, 1 or 2, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 8. Thecompound of claim 7 wherein X is either >C*H—(CH₂)₂—HC*< or >C*H—HC*<where “*” indicates a chiral carbon atom.
 9. The compound of claim 7wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 10. The compound of claim 7 whereinR₁ is methyl and R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 11. The compound of claim 7wherein R₁ and R₂ are methyl and R₅ is hydrogen.
 12. The compound ofclaim 7 wherein R₁ and R₂ are hydrogen and R₅ is methyl.
 13. Thecompound of claim 7 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are methyl.
 14. A method oftreating a mammal affected with the magnesium-binding defect, comprisingadministering to the mammal a pharmaceutically effective amount of acompound of the formula

wherein: R₁, R₂ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H and C₁–C₂ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are selected from C₂–C₈alkyl; R₆ is the L-isomer (amino acid convention) ofR₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 3; R₇ isselected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heteroaryl andmonosubstituted heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl is purinyl, and saidsubstituent is hydroxy, halo, amino, nitro, methyl or acetoxy; X isindependently selected from the group consisting of trans,trans >C═CH—HC═C<, trans >C═C<, and >C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—HC*< where “*”indicates a chiral carbon atom and R₃ and R₄ are oriented L- and D-(amino acid convention) at these respective chiral centers; and m=0, 1or 2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.15. The compound of claim 14 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 16. Thecompound of claim 14 wherein R₁ is methyl and R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.17. The compound of claim 14 wherein R₁ and R₂ are methyl and R₅ ishydrogen.
 18. The compound of claim 14 wherein R₁ and R₂ are hydrogenand R₅ is methyl.
 19. The compound of claim 14 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ aremethyl.
 20. A method of treating a mammal with salt-sensitive, essentialhypertension, comprising administering to the mammal a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of a compound of the formula:

wherein: R₁, R₂ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H and C₁–C₂ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are selected C₂–C₈ alkyl; R₆is the L-isomer (amino acid convention) of R₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—;wherein n is an integer from 0 to 3; R₇ is selected from the groupconsisting of unsubstituted heteroaryl and monosubstituted heteroaryl,wherein said heteroaryl is purinyl and said substituent is hydroxy,halo, amino, nitro, methyl or acetoxy; X is independently selected fromthe group consisting to trans, trans >C═CH—HC═C<, trans >C═C<, and>C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—HC*< where “*” indicates a chiral carbon atom and R₃ andR₄ are oriented L- and D-(amino acid convention) at these respectivechiral centers; and m=0, 1 or 2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate or prodrug thereof.
 21. The compound of claim 20 wherein R₁, R₂and R₅ are hydrogen.
 22. The compound of claim 20 wherein R₁ is methyland R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 23. The compound of claim 20 wherein R₁ andR₂ are methyl and R₅ is hydrogen.
 24. The compound of claim 20 whereinR₁ and R₂ are hydrogen and R₅ is methyl.
 25. The compound of claim 20wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are methyl.
 26. A method of treating a mammal withinsulin resistance of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, comprising administeringto the mammal a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of theformula:

wherein: R₁, R₂ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H and C₁–C₂ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are selected from C₂–C₈alkyl; R₆ is the L-isomer (amino acid convention) ofR₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 3; R₇ isselected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heteroaryl andmonosubstituted heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl is purinyl and saidsubstituent is hydroxy, halo, amino, nitro, methyl or acetoxy; X isindependently selected from the group consisting of trans,trans >C═CH—HC═C<, trans >C═C<, and >C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—HC*< where “*” is achiral carbon atom and R₃ and R₄ are oriented L- and D-(amino acidconvention) at these respective chiral centers; and m=0, 1 or 2, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 27. Thecompound of claim 26 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 28. Thecompound of claim 26 wherein R₁ is methyl and R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.29. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₁ and R₂ are methyl and R₅ ishydrogen.
 30. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₁ and R₂ are hydrogenand R₅ is methyl.
 31. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ aremethyl.
 32. A method of treating a mammal affected withpre-eclampsia/eclampsia, comprising administering to the mammal apharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of the formula:

wherein: R₁, R₂ and R₅ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of H and C₁–C₂ alkyl; R₃ and R₄ are selected from C₂–C₈alkyl; R₆ is the L-isomer (amino acid convention) ofR₇—(CH₂)_(n)—HC(NH₂)—CO—; wherein n is an integer from 0 to 3; R₇ isselected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heteroaryl andmonosubstituted heteroaryl, wherein said heteroaryl is purinyl and saidsubstituent is hydroxy, halo, amino, nitro, methyl or acetoxy; X isindependently selected in each instance from the group consisting oftrans, trans >C═CH—HC═C<, trans >C═C<, and >C*H—(CH₂)_(m)—HC*<where “*”indicates a chiral carbon atom and R₃ and R₄ are oriented L- andD-(amino acid convention) at these respective chiral centers; and m=0, 1or 2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.33. The compound of claim 32 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.
 34. Thecompound of claim 32 wherein R₁ is methyl and R₂ and R₅ are hydrogen.35. The compound of claim 32 wherein R₁ and R₂ are methyl and R₅ ishydrogen.
 36. The compound of claim 32 wherein R₁ and R₂ are hydrogenand R₅ is methyl.
 37. The compound of claim 32 wherein R₁, R₂ and R₅ aremethyl.